Prosperity: NAPTIP prescribes investment in children’s devt
NAN-H-29
Investment
By Mustapha Sumaila
Abuja, May 27, 2017 (NAN) Mrs Julie Okah-Donli, the Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has said that real investments in the development of Nigerian children remain the panacea to the country’s peace and prosperity.
Okah-Donli stated this in an interactive session with children to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration in Abuja on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by an NGO, Red Sapphire in collaboration with NAPTIP and Daar Communications.
She explained that since children of today represent the future of the nation, no amount of investment made on them was a waste.
According to her, government at all levels must work hard to improve on various sectors of the economy and concerted efforts must be made to ensure that the children are properly cared for.
She added that huge investments must be made in their healthcare, education, protection and general wellbeing.
The director-general however commended the Federal Government for introducing some school programmes, especially the school feeding programme for children, noting that it will go a long way in keeping children in schools.
Okah-Donli, who is also a legal practitioner, stated that it was the responsibility of parents, communities, states and the federal government to ensure that the children were adequately protected from criminals who lurk around seeking those to abuse and destroy.
“You belong to your parents, your community and the nation; leaders of all these groups therefore owe you the responsibility of protecting you from criminals who plan to destroy your lives.
“For us at NAPTIP, with our renewed commitment, strength and strategies, no one will be allowed to abuse you and go away with you.
“No one is permitted to touch you in any abusive manner or take any action capable of stunting your growth and development.
“If anyone tries any of such within your family environment, report to your school counsellor; if anyone tries it in your community, report to your parents and where you do not trust these people to protect you report to us,” she said.
She said that the Trafficking in Persons Act 2015 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, protects the rights of children. Okah-Donli advised that the Violence Against Persons Act, 2015, which is implemented only in the FCT, should be embraced by all the states to check all issues of violence against persons in the country.
“We are urging you children to always report cases of abuse to the law enforcement agencies and such operatives of these agencies should give listening ears to children,” the director-general urged. (NAN)
MS/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola